The salary of Giridhar is 5/3 times the salary of Hariraj, and the salary of Shaunak is 2/3 times the salary of Hariraj. What is the ratio of the salary of Giridhar to the salary of Shaunak?

Introduction / Context:
This problem deals with ratios generated from fractional relationships with a common base. It tests whether the student can correctly transform fractional salary multiples into a simple ratio between two individuals.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Giridhar's salary = 5/3 of Hariraj's salary.
• Shaunak's salary = 2/3 of Hariraj's salary.
• We have to find the ratio Giridhar salary : Shaunak salary.

Concept / Approach:
Since both salaries are expressed as fractions of the same base, Hariraj's salary, we can ignore the exact value of Hariraj's salary and work only with the fractional coefficients 5/3 and 2/3. Their ratio directly gives the required ratio of salaries after simplifying.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Let Hariraj's salary = H units.Giridhar's salary = (5/3) * H.Shaunak's salary = (2/3) * H.Required ratio = Giridhar : Shaunak = (5/3 * H) : (2/3 * H).Cancel the common factor (1/3 * H) from both sides.We get ratio = 5 : 2.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can assign a specific value to H, for example H = 3. Then Giridhar earns 5 units and Shaunak earns 2 units. The ratio 5 : 2 clearly matches the simplified result obtained algebraically.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Ratios like 9 : 10, 10 : 9 and 2 : 5 do not reflect the fractional relationship given in the question. They would require very different fractions such as 9/10 or 10/9 times H, which are not present here.

Common Pitfalls:
Some exam takers add or subtract the fractions instead of forming a ratio, or forget to cancel the common base H. Keeping track of which expressions are being compared is essential. The presence of a common factor in both numerator and denominator is a strong hint that the base cancels out.

Final Answer:
The ratio of the salary of Giridhar to the salary of Shaunak is 5 : 2.